SCENE IN PASSING
MARIE WHITEHEAD herald@mediactr.com
What a weekend. The trees of Gov. Hogg's Mountain Home rang with music and laughter of folks who attended the Pioneer Festival Saturday. This is believed to be the biggest and best yet on all fronts, not to mention the smashing success from the theatrical presentation of "Seuessical, the Musical" at the Cherokee Civic Theatre. Performances were sell-outs and wonderfully received. For those who missed the musical, repeat performances are slated this coming weekend.

There was more cause for celebration with the announcement of Jim and Margaret Perkins as recipients of the T. B. Butler award at the the Tyler Chamber of Commerce banquet last Thursday. Those who keep track of these two talented Ruskites already know they wear many hats, perform many feats of accomplishment and in general, work very hard to make the world a better place. They are in the banking business in Jacksonville and Nacogdoches, as well as Rusk and Tyler.

The Tyler Morning Telegraph is to be thanked for honoring two of our own, while paying tribute to them and recognizing the birthplace of a great leader. To that extent, all of the Perkins' extended family and friends can share his recognition with honor.

Margaret l and Jim Perkins recently received the T.B. Butler award at the Tyler Chamber of Commerce banquet.

While we're still waiting at the depot for the train to come in, we are doing it with hope, faith and prayers that earlier planning will pay off. Among the diligent supporters of this rescue mission have been our friends at the Tyler newspaper. Last week's Sunday front page, lead story, brought a comprehensive review of events since December, 2005. This is drawing to the end of two long years on the part of Rusk and Palestine citizens. It has gone forward with positive media coverage, especially the TMT. It is a potential star in the crown of the local economy and promotion of tourism for the state. As we wait for the political process to play out, feel free to vent your thoughts in letters to the editor to all print media.

In other positive news it is great to tell you that Cooper Stanaland has been released by the premie unit in Shreveport. He is the grandson of Lester and Fay Hughes. His parents are Jason and Adrien and he has an older sister, Marilyn. Cooper is special because he only weighed one pound, six ounces, when he was born July 1 and has now grown to four pounds plus. He joins other miracle babies of recent years. I saw one of them Saturday with her grandmother, Nancy Morgan, and she is such a bee-yu-teeful child. Another is Ella Hoffman, the granddaughter of Sheriff and Mrs. James Campbell, who is a robust picture of health.

On the "continuing to improve" list we have three in our neighborhood. Opal Fitts who was refused more surgery, Jim Turner who may have surgery anyway, one of these days and Ike Daniel who thrives, led by a strong, stubborn will.

Have you seen the signs? Drive out FM 2972 (admire the herefords on your right) and watch for the land for sale artwork. Our state has posted three properties for sale: Rusk, Round Rock and Harris County (that's near Houston). Approximately 383 acres owned by Rusk State Hospital are up for grabs. But it will probably be expensive grabs. It is a bid proposal and there's no minimum amount for the RSH property. If you're interested, call the number on the sign.

In the meantime, philosopher William James once said, "The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook." I probably should overlook those signs? Keep smiling.